Test Match Special Brendon McCullum: ‘Top 7 will stay the same’
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Dec 14, 2025 
Brendon McCullum, head coach of the England Test cricket team, shares insights ahead of the pivotal third Ashes Test. He discusses the team's productive break in Noosa, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a mindset shift to combat pressure. McCullum hints that the top seven will likely remain unchanged, while also addressing the challenges of public scrutiny and the need for players to perform under stress. Rory Dollard adds match analysis, highlighting the heightened stakes for England and the possible inclusion of new squad members.
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Noosa Break Was A Tactical Reset
- England used their Noosa break to reset mentally and dissect failures in a relaxed setting.
- Brendon McCullum said that stepping away helped the squad 'plot and plan' a route back into the series.
Smart Training Beats Quantity
- McCullum argued five intense training days before a Test can be counterproductive and cause tapering issues.
- He emphasised training smart to match conditions rather than hitting or bowling for the sake of it.
Make A Condition-Specific Game Plan
- Identify the risk levels on a pitch and make a clear game plan to negate them.
- Evaluate conditions, transfer pressure, and hit target areas to increase chances of success.